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Error when extracting ZIP file on Windows

Troubleshooting guide on ZIP folder error

Overview

After downloading a ZIP file from Fieldguide and trying to extract it using Windows File Explorer, you may encounter this error: Compressed (zipped) Folders Error. Windows cannot open the folder. The Compressed (zipped) Folder is invalid. This issue is related to a known limitation in Windows.

Why does this happen?

Windows File Explorer has a built-in limitation on the total length of file paths (known as MAX_PATH), which is set to a maximum of 260 characters. This means the entire file path, including folder names and file names, cannot exceed this limit. If any file inside the ZIP has a path longer than this limit, Windows File Explorer will show an error during extraction.

How to solve this problem

If you're having trouble extracting a ZIP file because it's exceeding the 260 character path limit, you can try one of the following solutions.

Option #1: Use a third-party extraction tool

Third-party tools like 7-Zip can extract files with long paths without issues. These tools bypass the MAX_PATH restriction.

To use 7-Zip:

  1. Download and install 7-Zip.

  2. Right-click the ZIP file and select 7-Zip > Extract Here or Extract to [Folder Name].

Option #2: Enable long file path support in Windows

Windows 10 and later versions offer the ability to enable long path support. This allows some applications (but not Windows File Explorer) to handle paths longer than 260 characters. These steps may need to be done by your IT admin.

To enable long file path support:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem.

  3. Double-click Enable Win32 long paths and set it to Enabled.

  4. Restart your computer.

Note: This setting won’t fix the issue in File Explorer but can help you open the file in other compatible programs.

Option #3: Move the ZIP file to a shorter path

If you prefer to use Windows File Explorer, try reducing the total path length:

  1. Move the ZIP file to a location with a shorter path, such as C:\.

  2. Extract the file from this new location.

Option #4: Map a network drive

If the file paths are too long, you can map part of the path to a drive letter, effectively shortening the path for extraction:

  1. Right-click This PC and click Map Network Drive.

  2. Choose a drive letter and browse to the folder containing the ZIP file.

  3. Extract the ZIP file from the mapped drive.

Option #5: Avoid exceeding the path length limit

Windows calculates a file's path length using this formula:

Drive name + Folder name(s) + File name + Any slashes or other symbols Windows uses inside the path.

For example, the path C:/Users/Downloads/MyDocument.docx contains 34 characters, which is less than Windows File Explorer's limit of 260 characters.

To help prevent path lengths from exceeding the limit, you can try reducing your files' path lengths prior to exporting from Fieldguide by avoiding:

  • Long file names, like VeryVeryVeryLongFileName.docx

  • Long folder names, like /VeryVeryVeryLongFolderName/MyFile.docx

  • Many nested folder levels, like /Downloads/FolderA/FolderB/FolderC/FolderD/[and so on]/MyFile.docx

To help avoid long file names, firm admins can set a maximum file name character length in the document export settings. This setting prevents exported file names from exceeding the specified length. Note that this setting doesn't necessarily prevent a downloaded file from exceeding the 260 character path length limit, but limiting file name lengths can still help reduce the total path length.

Still having trouble?

If none of these solutions work, please reach out to our support team for assistance. Include details about the error message and the ZIP file you're trying to extract so we can help you more effectively.

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